The District Retail Survey showed increased activity in May, and the outlook among retailers became more optimistic.

The District Retail Survey showed that retail activity increased among retailers in June, with 64 percent of respondents reporting activity at or above plan. Respondents noted that consumers' uncertainty about the economy is still impacting sales.

The majority of survey participants reported that inventory levels were unchanged or up slightly in May. One respondent noted that the supply disruptions from Japan are still suppressing inventory levels and affecting sales.

Sales tax collections in the sixth district increased relative to the same period last year. Average sales tax revenue from April to June increased 5.2 percent over April to June of 2010. The growth of sales tax revenue has slowed in recent months for every state in the sixth district except for Tennessee.

Note: +1 = Increase 0 = No change –1 = Decrease

Note: April survey results are based on responses from 41 retailers and were collected June 6–15.